There was little doubt what went wrong in what became the game that ended the Steelers' season.
"The question is, what went right?" defensive tackle Cam Heyward offered after Sunday night's stunning, 48-37 loss to the Browns in an AFC Super Wild Card game at Heinz Field.
The question regarding how the Steelers could go from a team that started the season 11-0 into one that lost four of its last five regular-season games and then fell behind the Browns, 28-0, in the first quarter of the first playoff game was seemingly tougher to answer.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took at shot at it, anyway.
"We just didn't win," he said.
"I don't have any magical answers," Roethlisberger continued. "We didn't put it together. Like I said, (Sunday night) the glaring issue is we turned the ball over. We turned the ball over a ton. That just can't happen."
The first blemish on the resume was a 23-17 loss to Washington on Dec. 7, the first loss of the season and the first of what became a three-game losing streak.
But Heyward wasn't certain that was a specific turning point.
"You know, I don't know if it dates back to the Washington game," he said. "There were games where we didn't, we won games and still made mistakes, and I thought our mistakes caught up to us.
"You know, you look back to this game (against the Browns) and you think as a defense, you didn't control the rushing, you didn't get off the field, you didn't get any turnovers, any sacks, and we weren't playing complementary football to the offense. If they turn over the ball, at least surrender three points. And we didn't do that.
"If we had a checklist of how to play the worst game possible, we did that."
Added head coach Mike Tomlin: "You know, we didn't do enough. We didn't position (the players) in enough good circumstances. We didn't make enough plays, particularly in the critical moments.
"We were a group that died on the vine."
Game action photos from the Steelers' Wild Card Round game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7), Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor (76) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro (66) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Tyson Alualu (94) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Vince Williams (98), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39), Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson (22), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Tyson Alualu (94) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton (28) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Tyson Alualu (94) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor (76) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva (78) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense huddles during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Vince Williams (98) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Henry Mondeaux (99), Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Marcus Allen (27) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Jordan Berry (4) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Vince Williams (98) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cassius Marsh (49) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Avery Williamson (51) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Jordan Berry (4) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense huddles during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense huddles during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (92) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels (38) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) and Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva (78) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Matt Feiler (71) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (92) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne (31) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Matt Feiler (71), Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro (66) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva (78) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro (66) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and ps30\during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Matt Feiler (71) and Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro (66) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro (66), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor (76) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels (38) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Tyson Alualu (94) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Tyson Alualu (94) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cassius Marsh (49) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro (66) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a postseason Wild Card Round game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
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NOT MUCH DEBATE: The Steelers trailed, 35-10, at halftime, but closed the gap to 35-23 and faced a fourth-and-1 from their 46-yard line as the third quarter ended and the fourth quarter began.
Tomlin opted to punt, and the Browns scored another touchdown on their next possession for a 42-23 lead.
"We had some stops, wanted to pin them down, maybe provide the short field for our offense," Tomlin said. "We had maybe two or three consecutive stops. I just wanted to keep the momentum going in terms of field positioning. But we weren't good enough in terms of doing that."
Roethlisberger said there wasn't much give-and-take regarding what should be done during the break between the third and fourth quarters.
"I mean, that's coach's decision," he said. "I was prepared to go for it. He said we were punting it. That was the end of the discussion."
